I found it in Nepal, approx 10 years ago. I don't usually buy this type of glass eye beads, so I know very little, but my guess?? looks like a ancient bead, but from what time frame and origin I don't know. (or could be a new copy. )

I have been looking at this bittersweet bead and ruminating for too many minutes.
Although it looks antique, I feel it is a copy...But, I would probably buy it
because it is attractive -and would enjoy studying it further.

Please Fred, give us a clue what gave it away.
Personally I thought the eyes were fine, but the blue glass and the opening looked much younger. But that is purely gut feeling and I haven't handled these beads so I could be miles away from the truth.

Thank you for your advice Fred and I understand what you are saying. But as you pointed out this is a long and costly process. I would appreciate if you could just take this bead as a case study and lead us through your elimination process pointing out the distinctive elements that define this bead as a copy.
I'm sure several BCN members will be grateful for this knowledge sharing. Thank you.

Well, they bring me in a warring (no... worrying) state ;-)
Obvious repro's but I don't recognize the place or style were they were made.
I don't think they were industrial made.
Never too old to learn, thank you for showing.
Accompanying bead is made in China ± 2006. Size in mm.

Also I have acquired ancient glass beads in Nepal that were deeply misunderstood...Nepal has access to an incredibly diverse selection of exchange beads, from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, China, even Europe...And more.

What I am relying on is my intuition based upon visual analysis
of the distribution of surface wear and patina. The point is:
Copyists in China are experts; so it's difficult to be certain.

Obviously, we were not there when this bead was created.
And we cannot know exactly where and when it was made.
Unfortunately, the only way to be certain these days is by
chemical analysis of the glass; today's copies are that good.

If I were to examine it in person, I may be persuaded to feel differently.
When you are visiting Curio City, Beijing, you will see excellent examples.

I know what you mean Jake. I've seen excavated Roman glass beads coming out from dug sites in E.Nepal, as well as lots of Chung dZis and all sorts of Ancient stone beads. I've found the Pyu beads too. it must have been a crossroads of civilization.

having said that, there were lots of ancient beads brought in to Nepal by Afghan dealers in the past few decades. (although they seem to head to China these days.)
so its hard to say where it came from.. but this is the only sample I've seen in Nepal since than.

I am pleased to hear you paid so little. It is a nice study bead.
My concern is the high polish around the aperture compared with
the mat surface of the eyes. Also, the orange stain in the cracks
seems too evenly distributed. Otherwise, it looks good.

I guess I have been a little skeptical of anything which reminds me
of the Chinese reproductions. Just like those who make hasty
assumptions that most copies are coming from Java.

The wear on the bead looks convincing, but the perf is rather "crisp"...
I look forward to more opinions and info from Fred, Jake and others.
Meanwhile, here are many eye bead posts from years past.....

I like this quote:
"My research is akin to an observer peering into a dimly lit room and trying to discern its contents."
-This is from Robert Liu in reference to Chinese Glass Beads.-
I feel this is an example of the candid dialog we need in order to benefit from this blog.
And I know you have this kind of humility. Which is one of the reasons I respect you.

Knowing I am not an expert, I base my judgment on my intuition formed by forty years
collecting, buying and selling all kinds of beads -especially Chinese and Japanese.
Artistic people are more apt to rely heavily upon their instincts; I am like that.

I have already spent a great deal of time looking at the bead in question...
and a great deal of time thinking about it...and an even greater length of time
typing my detailed opinion to share with others on Beadcollector.net;
I made a screen shot and used arrows to pinpoint my concerns.

It would be very interesting to hear what you have to say...
Disagreement adds wonderful drama to learning about beads.
Kindly take the time to tell us what you are referring to in Rosanna's post
concerning copies of Islamic beads -and tell us how this is relevant.

Your opinion is as useful as mine.

Sincerely,
Just Fred

P.S.
I have done my best.
This is all I can do.
Now I leave the rest
to each of you…

Fred your insight is like lighting a candle and giving us a glimpse through your minds eye into that dimly lit room... all of your input and efforts are appreciated and even if they enlighten just one person, I believe it has been worth it! Keep up the good sleuthing, Thomas

Dear Bonpo,
I was looking at your bead for quit a while, there is something wrong with it - I will try to explain. The bead was made with premanufactured stratified eyes, that were inserted into concave depressions on the core of the bead. This technique was well known from the third and second century B.C from the north of the black sea area, just at the end of the Greek empire and the beginning of the Roman empire at this area. I haven't seen this technique with the Warring state period on GLASS. I've seen them on a composite but never on glass.

The core of the bead and the eyes have different wear on them. This by its own raises a flag.

The core of the bead is TOO transparent also something I've never seen with Warring state beads.

So all and all the facts don't add up, especially if you bought it in the far east.

Please find attached the first photo is of a "normal" stratified eyes and the second one is premanufactured eye beads from the North Black sea for you to compare.